The Spillover–Crossover Model

This chapter introduces a model that integrates two lines of research: the spill-over–crossover model (SCM). Spillover researchers have generally neglected the possibility to examine the impact of employees&s; experiences at work on the well-being of the partner at home. Similarly, crossover researchers have generally ignored the work-related causes of the experiences that crossover from the employee to the partner at home. The SCM combines the spillover and crossover literatures, and proposes that work-related experiences first spillover to home domain, and then crossover to the partner through social interaction. The SCM suggests that impact on partner&s;s well-being occur either through direct crossover of negative and positive experiences or through indirect crossover. A series of studies has provided evidence for the SCM, although it should be noted that most studies focused exclusively on negative spillover and crossover. Although the focus in most work–family studies has primarily been on negative spillover, research has clearly indicated that positive spillover is also possible.